Healing After Suicide: Compassionate Steps to Support Survivors and Those Left Behind

⚠️ Trigger Warning

This article discusses suicide attempts and death by suicide. If you are in immediate crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., please search for your local crisis helpline. You are not alone, and help is available.

The Many Ways Suicide Impacts Lives

Suicide leaves lasting effects on individuals and communities. For some, it means surviving an attempt. For others, it means grieving the devastating loss of a loved one. Both experiences bring deep pain — and both require compassion, understanding, and informed support.

This guide shares practical strategies for supporting those who have survived a suicide attempt and those navigating grief after a suicide loss.

Supporting Someone After a Suicide Attempt

1. Speak with Care and Compassion

Words carry weight. Survivors often feel guilt, shame, or fear of judgment. Instead of asking, “Why did you do this?” try:

• “I’m so glad you’re still here.”

• “You don’t have to go through this alone.”

These affirmations communicate love, hope, and the reminder that healing is possible.

2. Encourage Professional and Ongoing Support

Help them connect with ongoing care:

• Schedule therapy, counseling, or psychiatry appointments.

• Create a Safety Plan with coping strategies, supportive contacts, and emergency numbers.

• Offer to accompany them to their first appointment if they feel anxious.

3. Care for Yourself as a Supporter

Supporting someone after an attempt can feel overwhelming. Protect your own well-being by:

• Setting healthy boundaries.

• Sharing responsibility with others.

• Seeking your own support through therapy or caregiver groups.

Supporting Those Grieving a Suicide Loss

Grief after suicide is often complex. It may include shock, guilt, anger, or relentless questioning of “why.” Survivors may even blame themselves. These reactions are common but can feel isolating if others avoid the subject.

1. Be Present, Even When It’s Hard

• Show up. Avoiding the person deepens their pain.

• Offer specific help. Instead of “Let me know if you need anything,” say “I can bring dinner Tuesday” or “Can I walk the dog for you?”

• Listen without fixing. They need space to be heard, not quick solutions.

2. Connect Them with Supportive Resources

Encourage them to explore:

• Specialized grief counselors trained in suicide bereavement.

• Support groups (in-person or online) through AFSP or local organizations.

• Community rituals like memorial walks or remembrance ceremonies.

3. The Role of Communities and Workplaces

Healing is not only personal — it’s collective. Workplaces, schools, and faith groups can provide postvention support by:

• Acknowledging the death openly.

• Offering group counseling.

• Sharing crisis resources.

These actions reduce stigma and help prevent further risk.

Healing Is Possible

Suicide attempts and losses leave deep wounds, but healing is possible. Survivors — whether of an attempt or a loss — need time, compassion, and connection. Even the smallest gestures of support can serve as a lifeline of hope.

If you or someone you know is struggling:

• In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

• Outside the U.S., search for “suicide helpline” in your country.

You are never alone. Help is available, and healing is possible.

Website: www.brokentoboldness.com

Email: deborah@brokentoboldness.com